AFC Bournemouth
David Brooks' diagnosis with Hodgkin lymphoma has brought to the limelight a form of cancer that affects around 20,000 people in the UK every year.
The club has launched an online auction to raise money for Lymphoma Action, the UK's only charity dedicated to lymphoma.
Here's what you need to know about the charity and how the fifth-most common form of cancer affects people.
What is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is kind of blood cancer which affects the immune system. It develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. They divide in an abnormal way or do not die when they should.
Lymphocytes normally fight infection as part of the body’s immune system and Hodgkin Lymphoma almost always develops from B cells, one of the two types of lymphocytes.
What are the two types of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is any kind of lymphoma that contains a particular type of cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell, which are abnormal b-lymphocytes.
Meanwhile, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare form of lymphoma that grows more slowly than the classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How common is Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
Around 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma every year – more than five a day. It can occur to anyone of any age, although is most common in people aged 15 and 34, or over 60.
Treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma has improved drastically over the last 40 years and many people are now diagnosed at an early stage and most are successfully treated.
What symptoms should people look out for?
The most common symptom of lymphoma are swollen lymph nodes, which is a lump, or lumps, usually found in the neck, armpit or groins. They are usually painless and can be persistent.
Other symptoms can include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, sweats and itching. Full symptoms can be found on the Lymphoma Action website and you are advised to contact your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
What does Lymphoma Action do?
Lymphoma Action are the only UK charity dedicated to lymphoma and provide information and support to those affected by lymphoma. They offer information which has been endorsed by medical experts and aim to support people so they’re not going through the experience alone.
Visit the Lymphoma Action website here for more information.
